I've visited this site for a few years and gotten lots of great tips - finally decided to register and participate.

My hair: Born curly, stayed that way until 5 years old. Thick and straight until puberty, then got very curly and stayed that way! I have very thick, long ringlets (3B). I've worn it short, long, and shoulder length. Short was great when my kids were babies, but I think short hair makes me look much older. (I'm 37, most people think I'm 5-10 years younger - not complaining!) I keep it long now. The curl is so much better with some weight, not to mention my husband loves it long! I've found products I love, too! I live about an hour from a major city, though, and I can't find a decent stylist here. That's another reason I keep it long. With my busy work schedule, I can only get to the city for a haircut ever 4-6 months!

So here's my dilemma. I am a professional, and sometimes I think my long curly hair not only makes me look younger (which, believe it or not, is a disadvantage in my profession) but makes people take me less seriously. I have been experimenting with ways of wearing it up, but it's so thick and heavy that I get headaches, or it just doesn't stay in place. I'd love some recommendations for professional thick & curly hairstyles for the workplace that allow me to keep my long curls when I'm not at work.